DoD awards $50.7M for MIDS-LVT to Data Link Solutions LLC under full and open competition
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $50,716,691 ($50.7M)
Contractor: Data Link Solutions LLC
Awarding Agency: Department of Defense
Start Date: 2010-03-10
End Date: 2013-09-30
Contract Duration: 1,300 days
Daily Burn Rate: $39.0K/day
Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION
Number of Offers Received: 2
Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE
Sector: IT
Official Description: MIDS-LVT (1) FMS FINLAND (FI-P-LBH)
Place of Performance
Location: CEDAR RAPIDS, LINN County, IOWA, 52401
State: Iowa Government Spending
Plain-Language Summary
Department of Defense obligated $50.7 million to DATA LINK SOLUTIONS LLC for work described as: MIDS-LVT (1) FMS FINLAND (FI-P-LBH) Key points: 1. Contract awarded to Data Link Solutions LLC for MIDS-LVT. 2. Significant award value of $50.7 million. 3. Procurement falls under the 'Other Communications Equipment Manufacturing' NAICS code. 4. Contract duration spans over three years.
Value Assessment
Rating: fair
The award value of $50.7 million for MIDS-LVT appears to be a significant investment. Without specific per-unit cost data or comparison to similar contracts for this specialized equipment, a precise pricing assessment is difficult.
Cost Per Unit: N/A
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: full-and-open
The contract was awarded under full and open competition, suggesting a competitive bidding process. This method is generally expected to yield fair market prices, though specific price discovery details are not provided.
Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayer funds are being utilized for the procurement of critical communication equipment for the Department of Defense, specifically the Navy.
Public Impact
Enhances naval communication capabilities with MIDS-LVT. Supports military readiness and interoperability. Potential for technological advancements in communication equipment.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Lack of detailed cost breakdown.
- Limited insight into specific performance metrics.
- Potential for obsolescence of communication equipment over time.
Positive Signals
- Awarded under full and open competition.
- Supports critical defense communication needs.
- Long-term contract provides stability.
Sector Analysis
The 'Other Communications Equipment Manufacturing' sector involves the production of specialized electronic equipment for communication. Spending in this sector is driven by defense needs and technological advancements, with benchmarks varying widely based on equipment complexity and volume.
Small Business Impact
The contract was awarded to Data Link Solutions LLC, and there is no explicit indication of small business participation or subcontracting in the provided data. Further analysis would be needed to determine if small businesses were involved.
Oversight & Accountability
The Department of Defense, specifically the Department of the Navy, is responsible for overseeing this contract. Standard procurement regulations and oversight mechanisms would apply to ensure compliance and accountability.
Related Government Programs
- Other Communications Equipment Manufacturing
- Department of Defense Contracting
- Department of the Navy Programs
Risk Flags
- Potential for cost escalation not fully mitigated by fixed price.
- Risk of technological obsolescence.
- Dependence on a single supplier for critical equipment.
- Lack of transparency in detailed cost breakdown.
Tags
other-communications-equipment-manufactu, department-of-defense, ia, do, 10m-plus
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
Department of Defense awarded $50.7 million to DATA LINK SOLUTIONS LLC. MIDS-LVT (1) FMS FINLAND (FI-P-LBH)
Who is the contractor on this award?
The obligated recipient is DATA LINK SOLUTIONS LLC.
Which agency awarded this contract?
Awarding agency: Department of Defense (Department of the Navy).
What is the total obligated amount?
The obligated amount is $50.7 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2010-03-10. End: 2013-09-30.
What is the specific capability enhancement provided by MIDS-LVT to the Navy?
MIDS-LVT (Multifunctional Information Distribution System - Low Volume Terminal) is a critical component for secure, jam-resistant, high-volume digital data communication. It enhances situational awareness by enabling real-time exchange of tactical data, including friendly force tracking, target information, and command and control messages, thereby improving operational effectiveness and interoperability among various platforms.
What are the primary risks associated with this MIDS-LVT contract for the DoD?
Key risks include potential cost overruns if the fixed-price contract doesn't fully account for unforeseen manufacturing complexities or material cost fluctuations. Technological obsolescence is another risk, as communication systems evolve rapidly; the MIDS-LVT might become outdated before its expected service life. Furthermore, reliance on a single contractor, even under full competition, could pose supply chain risks if Data Link Solutions LLC faces production issues.
How does this contract contribute to the overall effectiveness of naval operations?
This contract directly contributes to the effectiveness of naval operations by ensuring the availability of advanced communication systems. MIDS-LVT facilitates seamless information sharing, which is crucial for coordinated maneuvers, threat detection, and rapid response. Improved situational awareness and interoperability enabled by this system enhance mission success rates and reduce the risk of fratricide.
Industry Classification
NAICS: Manufacturing › Communications Equipment Manufacturing › Other Communications Equipment Manufacturing
Product/Service Code: COMM/DETECT/COHERENT RADIATION
Competition & Pricing
Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION
Solicitation Procedures: SUBJECT TO MULTIPLE AWARD FAIR OPPORTUNITY
Solicitation ID: N0003910R0011
Offers Received: 2
Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)
Evaluated Preference: NONE
Contractor Details
Address: 350 COLLINS RD NE, CEDAR RAPIDS, IA, 02
Business Categories: Category Business, Limited Liability Corporation, Manufacturer of Goods, Not Designated a Small Business, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business
Financial Breakdown
Contract Ceiling: $50,716,691
Exercised Options: $50,716,691
Current Obligation: $50,716,691
Contract Characteristics
Cost or Pricing Data: NO
Parent Contract
Parent Award PIID: N0003910D0031
IDV Type: IDC
Timeline
Start Date: 2010-03-10
Current End Date: 2013-09-30
Potential End Date: 2013-09-30 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2014-11-18
More Contracts from Data Link Solutions LLC
- Mids Jtrs Spares Production — $304.7M (Department of Defense)
- 200503!051058!1700!n00039!space and Naval Warfare Systems !N0003900D2100 !A!N! !N!0033 ! !20041223!20070930!018619986!018619986!217304393!n!bae Systems/Rockwell Collins D!350 Collins RD NE !cedar Rapids !ia!52498!77870!031!34!wayne !passaic !NEW Jersey!+000011000000!n!n!000000000000!5821!radio and TV Comm Equipment, Airborne !A7 !electronics and Communication Equip !554 !mids-Lvt !334290!E! !5!B!S! ! ! !20200930!B! ! !A! !d!n!v!1!001!n!1a!z!n!z! ! !N!C!N! ! ! !a!a!a!a!000!a!c!n! ! ! ! !1739!N00039!0001! ! — $202.8M (Department of Defense)
- Mids Jtrs Terminal & Spares Production — $157.6M (Department of Defense)
- Tactical Targeting Network Technology (ttnt) Spectrum Relocation Development Delivery Order — $147.9M (Department of Defense)
- Spares Mids Jtrs — $134.2M (Department of Defense)
Other Department of Defense Contracts
- Federal Contract — $51.3B (Humana Government Business Inc)
- Lrip LOT 12 Advance Acquisition Contract — $35.1B (Lockheed Martin Corporation)
- SSN 802 and 803 Long Lead Time Material — $34.7B (Electric Boat Corporation)
- 200204!008532!1700!AF600 !naval AIR Systems Command !N0001902C3002 !A!N! !N! !20011026!20120430!008016958!008016958!834951691!n!lockheed Martin Corporation !lockheed Blvd !fort Worth !tx!76108!27000!439!48!fort Worth !tarrant !texas !+000026000000!n!n!018981928201!ac15!rdte/Aircraft-Eng/Manuf Develop !a1a!airframes and Spares !2ama!jast/Jsf !336411!E! !3! ! ! ! ! !99990909!B! ! !A! !a!n!r!2!002!n!1a!a!n!z! ! !N!C!N! ! ! !a!a!a!a!000!a!c!n! ! ! !Y! !N00019!0001! — $34.2B (Lockheed Martin Corporation)
- KC-X Modernization Program — $32.0B (THE Boeing Company)